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A large bowl of saffron rice topped with a parsley leaf
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5 from 7 votes

Saffron Rice

Saffron rice is a flavorful and naturally colorful side dish. Learn how to make it with our easy, step-by-step recipe.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Indian, Mediterranean
Keyword: saffron rice
Servings: 4
Calories: 233kcal
Author: Kelsey Crist

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • parsley chopped, to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet with a lid. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic and saffron threads. Cook for 1 minute.
    Onions, garlic, and saffron cooked in oil in a large black pan
  • Add the rice and stir.
    A large pan filled with cooked onions, garlic, and saffron, and uncooked basmati rice
  • Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
    A large skillet filled with basmati rice, saffron, chicken broth, onions, and garlic
  • Bring to a boil and then cover, reduce heat to medium low, and cook for 17 minutes. You'll know it is done when the liquid is gone from the pot and the rice is soft.
    A large skillet with a clear lid. Through the lid you can see yellow rice.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the parsley, and serve.
    A large skillet filled with yellow saffron rice and topped with chopped parsley

Video

Notes

  • Instead of butter in your saffron rice, you can use ghee, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
  • You can also use chicken stock or vegetable stock in place of the chicken broth.
  • Trader Joe's has the most affordable saffron that I have seen in local grocery stores. 

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg